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Reuben Sandwich with Homemade Russian Dressing recipe


  • Author: Sophia

Ingredients

Scale

For the Homemade Russian Dressing:

    • ½ cup Mayonnaise: Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise as the base for your dressing. It provides the creamy texture and rich flavor.

    • ¼ cup Ketchup: Ketchup adds sweetness, tanginess, and that characteristic reddish-orange hue to Russian dressing.

    • 2 tablespoons Prepared Horseradish, drained: Prepared horseradish delivers a pungent, spicy kick that is essential to authentic Russian dressing. Ensure it’s drained well to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.

    • 1 tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish: Sweet pickle relish provides a touch of sweetness and a bit of texture to balance the other flavors.

    • 1 tablespoon Finely Chopped Onion (Yellow or White): Finely chopped onion adds a subtle sharpness and aromatic depth. Yellow or white onions work equally well.

    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce contributes a savory, umami-rich depth that enhances the overall complexity of the dressing.

    • ½ teaspoon Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): Paprika adds a subtle smoky or sweet note and contributes to the dressing’s color. Sweet paprika is milder, while smoked paprika will add a more pronounced smoky flavor.

    • ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a hint of garlic flavor without being overpowering.

    • Pinch of Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in the dressing. Adjust to taste.

    • Pinch of Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and depth.

For the Reuben Sandwich:

    • 8 slices Rye Bread (Seeded Rye or Marble Rye Preferred): Rye bread is the traditional choice for Reubens. Seeded rye or marble rye adds extra flavor and texture. Look for sturdy rye bread that will hold up well during grilling.

    • 1 pound Corned Beef, thinly sliced: High-quality, thinly sliced corned beef is the heart of the Reuben. Deli-style corned beef works best. Ask your deli counter for it to be sliced thinly or pre-packaged thinly sliced corned beef.

    • 1 ½ cups Sauerkraut, well drained: Sauerkraut provides the signature tang and acidity that balances the richness of the corned beef and cheese. Use good quality sauerkraut and drain it very well to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. Squeezing it gently can help remove excess moisture.

    • 8 slices Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is the classic cheese for Reubens. It melts beautifully and has a mild, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use slices that are about the same size as your bread slices.

    • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened: Softened butter is used to butter the outside of the rye bread slices, creating a golden-brown, crispy crust when grilled.


Instructions

Part 1: Make the Homemade Russian Dressing

    1. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, drained prepared horseradish, sweet pickle relish, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

    1. Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy.

    1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, horseradish, or paprika to suit your taste.

    1. Chill Dressing (Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Russian dressing for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen. While chilling is recommended, you can use the dressing immediately if needed.

Part 2: Assemble and Grill the Reuben Sandwiches

    1. Prepare Ingredients: Have your sliced rye bread, corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, Swiss cheese slices, softened butter, and homemade Russian dressing ready and within reach.

    1. Butter Rye Bread Slices: Lightly butter one side of each slice of rye bread with softened butter. This will be the outside of your sandwich and will get grilled to a golden brown.

    1. Assemble First Layer (Dressing and Sauerkraut): Place four slices of rye bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface. Spread a generous layer of homemade Russian dressing evenly over the unbuttered side of each slice. Top the dressing with a layer of well-drained sauerkraut, dividing it evenly among the four slices.

    1. Add Corned Beef and Cheese: Layer thinly sliced corned beef over the sauerkraut on each slice, using about ¼ of the corned beef per sandwich. Top the corned beef with two slices of Swiss cheese per sandwich, ensuring the cheese covers the corned beef.

    1. Top with Second Bread Slice: Top each assembled sandwich with the remaining slice of rye bread, butter-side up. Make sure the buttered sides are facing outwards and the unbuttered sides are inside, against the cheese.

    1. Preheat Griddle or Large Skillet: Preheat a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat. A cast iron skillet or a non-stick skillet works well.

    1. Grill Sandwiches: Carefully place the assembled Reuben sandwiches onto the preheated griddle or skillet, butter-side down.

    1. Grill First Side: Grill the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches while grilling to ensure even browning and melting.

    1. Flip and Grill Second Side: Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and continue to grill for another 3-4 minutes, or until the second side of the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

    1. Check for Doneness: The sandwiches are done when both sides are golden brown and crispy, the cheese is melted and gooey, and the corned beef and sauerkraut are heated through.

    1. Remove and Serve Immediately: Remove the grilled Reuben sandwiches from the griddle or skillet and serve immediately.

Step 3: Cut and Serve

    1. Cut in Half (Optional): For easier handling and serving, you can cut each Reuben sandwich in half diagonally before serving. This also showcases the delicious layers inside.

    1. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Serve the Reuben Sandwiches immediately while they are hot, crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted. The homemade Russian dressing will complement all the flavors beautifully.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 700-800
  • Sugar: 10-15g
  • Sodium: 1500-2000mg
  • Fat: 40-50g
  • Saturated Fat: 15-20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40-50g
  • Fiber: 4-5g
  • Protein: 35-40g